Gulf Clubs Championship: Baniyas leave door open for Mohamed Aboutrika as he continues rehabilitation with Egyptian national side

Injured forward Mohamed Aboutrika may return to Baniyas as his rehabilitation continues with the Egyptian national team.

Injured Mohamed Aboutrika, centre, has been given permission by Baniyas to head to Egypt, where he will rehabilitate with the national team there. They have left the door open to his return.

Amith Passela

Mar 12, 2013

The injured Baniyas forward Mohamed Aboutrika has returned to Cairo to continue his rehabilitation and will join up with the Egypt team for their World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe on March 27.

Aboutrika, who has a hamstring injury, travelled to Cairo while his Pro League teammates flew to Bahrain for Wednesday night's Gulf Clubs Championship game against Al Busaiteen.

Baniyas were held to a scoreless home draw by Al Busaiteen and went down 4-3 to Al Faisaly of Saudi Arabia in the three-team Group E.

"The club management decided to release Aboutrika as he won't be able to play for us in this game anyway," said Mohammed Al Menhali, the team manager.

"He will continue his rehabilitation with the Egypt national team and if he is deemed fit, Aboutrika will return after their World Cup qualifier."

Baniyas will also be without Christian Wilhemsson, the Swedish international who has a hamstring injury.

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